With spots to fill, linebackers in focus during Penn State spring practice

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. – Linebacker U. is getting a new look on the outside this spring.

Veteran Penn State middle linebacker and two-year starter Glenn Carson will have new starters in 2013 on either side of him with standouts Michael Mauti and Gerald Hodges off to the NFL.

Top reserve Mike Hull seems primed for one of those starting spots. He's already known for his work ethic and his prowess in the weight room.

Nyeem Wartman has the other outside spot. Wartman impressed early on last season in a special teams role as a freshman. He was later sidelined by injury.

Carson says he's confident Hull and Wartman will make smooth transitions to more prominent roles.

Otherwise, scholarship depth is slim at linebacker for Penn State, at least until incoming freshmen arrive this summer.